Combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard

ABSTRACT

A combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard are disclosed. The case includes a first panel configured to receive a tablet device on a first face of the first panel, a second panel pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to receive a keyboard on a first face of the second panel, and a cover portion pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to enclose the first panel and the second panel such that a first face of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the first panel and in facing relation to the second panel. In another embodiment, the second panel is pivotably and removably coupled to the first panel. In other embodiments, a keyboard sleeve or a custom keyboard is coupled or removably coupled to the first panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/110,143, filed May 18, 2011, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Tablet computing devices, have become increasingly popular in recentyears due to their ease of use, light weight and portability. Suchdevices typically include a thin, lightweight case and a touch-sensitivescreen that occupies a majority of the area of the front face of thetablet. The touch-sensitive screen allows for ease of interaction withthe interface of the tablet and for convenient consumption of media suchas videos, photographs, and music, as well as web browsing and email.

While tablet devices are convenient for media consumption, they are lessconvenient for media creation, for example, word-processing and emailcomposition. This stems from the fact that on a tablet device, text istypically input via an on-screen keyboard, which lacks the tactilefeedback of a physical keyboard, and is less conducive to rapid andaccurate typing. To alleviate this inconvenience, some tablet devicescan couple to a physical keyboard, for example via the Bluetoothwireless communications standard. However, the separate physicalkeyboard reduces the portability and convenience of the tablet device.

Additionally, tablets are adapted for being held in the user's handsduring usage; if the user's hands are occupied, the tablet typicallymust be laid flat on a surface. Neither arrangement allows forconvenient viewing of the tablet simultaneous with the use of akeyboard.

A convenient solution for transporting and situating a tablet computingdevice and associated keyboard is therefore desired.

SUMMARY

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a combination protectivecase and stand for a tablet device and keyboard is disclosed. The caseincludes a first panel configured to receive a tablet device on a firstface of the first panel, a second panel pivotably coupled to the firstpanel and configured to receive a keyboard on a first face of the secondpanel, and a cover portion pivotably coupled to the first panel andconfigured to enclose the first panel and the second panel such that afirst face of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to thefirst panel and in facing relation to the second panel. The second panelcan be pivoted so as to place the second panel in facing relation to asecond face of the first panel. The cover portion may include a firstcover panel, a second cover panel and a central cover panel disposedbetween the first cover panel and the second cover panel. At least onefastener may be disposed on a second face of the first panel and atleast one complementary fastener may be disposed on a second face of thesecond panel. The case can further include at least one adjoining memberadapted to be placed in adjoining relation with a rear portion of thekeyboard. The adjoining member can include at least one fastener on afirst face of the adjoining member. A covering may be disposed on thefirst face of the cover portion. The covering may be adapted to couplewith the at least one fastener of the adjoining member.

In another exemplary embodiment, the second panel may be pivotably andremovably coupled to the first panel.

In another exemplary embodiment, a keyboard sleeve may be coupled to thefirst panel.

In another exemplary embodiment, the cover portion may be pivotablycoupled to the sleeve.

In another exemplary embodiment, the keyboard sleeve may be removablycoupled to the first panel.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a custom keyboard may be removablycoupled to the first panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. Thefollowing detailed description should be considered in conjunction withthe accompanying figures in which:

FIGS. 1 a-1 c show a first exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open,flat configuration,

FIGS. 2 a-2 c show a first exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel in afirst configuration,

FIGS. 3 a-3 c show a first exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel in asecond configuration,

FIGS. 4 a-4 c show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in acompact, closed configuration,

FIGS. 5 a-5 c show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in acompact, open configuration,

FIGS. 6 a-6 c show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in alaptop mode configuration,

FIGS. 7 a-7 c show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in ahidden keyboard laptop configuration,

FIGS. 8 a-8 c show a second exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open,flat configuration,

FIGS. 9 a-9 b show a second exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel,

FIG. 10 a shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in acompact, closed configuration,

FIG. 10 b shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in acompact, open configuration,

FIG. 11 shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a laptopmode configuration,

FIG. 12 shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a hiddenkeyboard laptop configuration,

FIGS. 13 a-13 b show a third exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open,flat configuration,

FIGS. 14 a-14 b show a fourth exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open,flat configuration,

FIGS. 15 a-15 b show an exemplary embodiment of a combination protectivecase and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, with a removablekeyboard panel,

FIGS. 16 a-16 b show an exemplary embodiment of a combination protectivecase and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, with a keyboard sleeve,

FIGS. 17 a-17 b show another exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, with akeyboard sleeve,

FIGS. 18 a-18 b show an exemplary embodiment of a combination protectivecase and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, with a removablekeyboard sleeve, and

FIGS. 19 a-19 b show an exemplary embodiment of a combination protectivecase and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, with a removable customkeyboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description andrelated drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention.Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spiritor the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detailor will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of theinvention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the descriptiondiscussion of several terms used herein follows.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example,instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are notlimiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood thatthe described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms“embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do notrequire that all embodiments of the invention include the discussedfeature, advantage or mode of operation. Furthermore, when elements aredescribed as “coupled” or “connected,” it should be understood that theelements may be directly connected to each other or may be connectedthrough one or more intervening elements.

Generally referring to FIGS. 1 a-7 c, a combination protective case andstand for a tablet device and keyboard 100 is disclosed. Case 100 mayinclude structures for retaining a tablet device and a keyboard therein.Case 100 can further include a plurality of panels which may be arrangedin various positions so as to allow case 100 to be adapted to a varietyof desired functionalities. For example, case 100 may be placed in acompact, closed configuration for transporting the tablet device andkeyboard and protecting the tablet device and keyboard during transport,with the keyboard hidden behind the tablet device. Case 100 may furtherbe placed in a compact open configuration for handheld use of the tabletdevice, with the keyboard hidden behind the tablet device. Case 100 mayfurther be placed in an angled open configuration for use of the tabletdevice on top of a surface. In the angled open configuration, thekeyboard may be presented or hidden as desired. Case 100 may alsoinclude structures for maintaining the plurality of panels in desiredpositions. It should be appreciated that the configurations andpositions described herein are not limiting, and that a variety ofconfigurations and positions for case 100 may be contemplated andpresented as desired.

Case 100, or portions thereof may include an outer covering that isformed from any desired material, for example leather, imitationleather, leatherette, cloth, microfiber, synthetic polymer-basedmaterials, or any other material known in the art that enables case 100to function as described herein, or any desired combinations ofmaterials. Rigidity may be provided to desired portions of case 100through the use of rigid inserts or rigid shells made from any materialknown in the art that enables case 100 to function as described herein.Portions of case 100 may be provided with fasteners, such ashook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, clasps, buttons, tab-and-slot fasteners,or any fastener known in the art that enables case 100 to function asdescribed herein. Furthermore, portions of case 100 may be provided witha napped covering, for example felt, suede, alcantara, velvet, or anyother covering having a napped pile or texture known in the art thatenables case 100 to function as described herein. The napped coveringmay further cooperate with the fasteners so as to facilitate couplingbetween the fasteners and the napped covering.

Embodiments of the combination protective case and stand for a tabletdevice and keyboard illustrated in the provided figures are adapted foruse with a tablet computing device such as the iPad, developed and soldby Apple, Inc. and a wireless keyboard such as the Apple WirelessKeyboard, also developed and sold by Apple, Inc. However, it should beappreciated that embodiments of case 100, as well as the configurationsand concepts disclosed herein may be adapted for use with any knowntablet device and keyboard, and are not limited solely to theillustrated devices.

FIGS. 1 a-1 c show case 100 in an open, flat configuration, illustratingthe plurality of panels of case 100. Case 100 may include a tablet panel102 having a first face 104 and a second face 106. A portion of firstface 104 of tablet panel 102 may include a napped covering 108 disposedthereon. First face 104 of tablet panel 102 may further include a tabletsleeve 110 disposed thereon. Tablet sleeve 110 may be sized to receive atablet computing device therein, and to snugly and securely maintain thetablet computing device within tablet sleeve 110. Tablet sleeve 110 mayfurther include an opening 112 sized to allow viewing of the screen ofthe tablet computing device therethrough. Opening 112 may be uncovered,or may include a transparent protective cover (not shown) that allowsfor operation of the touch-screen of the tablet computing device. Tabletsleeve 110 may further include a plurality of apertures 114 foraccessing the hardware ports and buttons of the tablet computing device.Second face 106 of tablet panel 102 may include a plurality of fasteners180 disposed thereon. For example, fasteners 180 may be hooked fastenersor looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or anyother desired fastener member.

Case 100 can further include a keyboard panel 120 having a first face122 and a second face 124. Keyboard panel 120 may be pivotably coupledto tablet panel 102, for example via a flexible panel 130 having a firstface 132 and a second face 134. Coupled to keyboard panel 120 may befirst band 126 and second band 128, which may be sized to receive akeyboard 10 between first face 122 and bands 126, 128 and to snugly andsecurely maintain keyboard 10 therein. Second face 124 of keyboard panel120 may include a plurality of complementary fasteners 182 disposedthereon. For example, complementary fasteners 182 may be loopedfasteners or hooked fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement,or any other desired fastener member that is adapted to couple withfasteners 180.

FIGS. 2 a-2 c and FIGS. 3 a-3 c show a detail of keyboard panel 120 andflexible panel 130. First band 126 may be provided with at least twofastening straps 140, each fastening strap having a first face 142 and asecond face 144. First faces 142 of fastening straps 140 may be providedwith fasteners 180 and second faces 144 of fastening straps 140 may beprovided with complementary fasteners 182. After keyboard 10 is insertedunder bands 126, 128. As shown in FIGS. 3 a-3 c, straps 140 can then beinserted through slits 136 defined in flexible portion 130 so as toplace straps 140 in adjoining relation with rear portion 12 of keyboard10. Straps 140 can then be secured by coupling fasteners 180 disposed onsecond face 134 of flexible portion 130 to complementary fasteners 182disposed on second faces 144 of straps 140.

Turning back to FIGS. 1 a-1 c, a cover portion 150 may be pivotablycoupled to a bridging panel 158, which can in turn be coupled to secondface 106 of tablet panel 102. Alternatively, cover portion 150 may bedirectly pivotably coupled to second face 106 of tablet panel 102. Coverportion 150 may include a rigid first panel 160, a rigid second panel162, and a central panel 164 disposed between the first and secondpanels. In one embodiment, central panel 164 may be flexible and may bepivotably coupled to first panel 160 and second panel 162.Alternatively, central panel 164 may be rigid and may be pivotablycoupled to first panel 160 via a first flexible panel 166, and to secondpanel 162 via a second flexible panel 168. The pivotable couplings ofFirst panel 160, second panel 162, and central panel 164 may be suchthat each of panels 160, 162, 164 may be fully articulable, with respectto the panels proximate thereto, about the longitudinal axis of thepivotable coupling.

Cover portion 150 may have a first face 152 and a second face 154. Aportion of first face 152 of cover portion 150 may include a nappedcovering 156 disposed thereon. Second face 154 may include a logo,ornament, decorative feature, or other indicia 170 disposed thereon.Additionally, second panel 162 may include a logo, ornament, decorativefeature, or other indicia 172 disposed at the edge thereof such thatindicia 172 may be visible on both first face 152 and second face 154.

FIGS. 4 a-4 c show case 100 in an exemplary compact, closedconfiguration. In the closed configuration, keyboard panel 120 can bepositioned such that second face 124 of keyboard panel 120 is proximatesecond face 106 of tablet panel 102. Keyboard panel 120 can then becoupled to tablet panel 102 using fasteners 180 of tablet panel 102 andcomplementary fasteners 182 of keyboard panel 120. Cover portion 150 canthen be pivotally moved towards keyboard panel 120 and around tabletpanel 102, such that cover portion 150 encloses panels 102, 120, withfirst panel 160 disposed in facing relation to first face 122 ofkeyboard panel 120, central panel 164 disposed in facing relation tofirst face 104 of tablet panel 102, and second panel 162 disposed infacing relation to a portion of second face 104 of tablet panel 102 andproximate bridging panel 158. Second panel 162 can then be coupled tosecond face 104 of tablet panel 102 using fasteners 180 of tablet panel102 and complementary fasteners 182 of second panel 162. The compactclosed configuration thus allows one to conveniently transport case 100while protecting the tablet device and keyboard from damage.Furthermore, keyboard panel 120 can be disposed behind and coupled totablet panel 102. Consequently, keyboard 10 is disposed behind, and notin front of the tablet device, facilitating minimizing damage to thescreen of the tablet device during transport and storage.

FIGS. 5 a-5 c show case 100 in an exemplary compact, open configuration.In the open configuration, keyboard panel 120 can be positioned suchthat second face 124 of keyboard panel 120 is proximate second face 106of tablet panel 102. Keyboard panel 120 can then be coupled to tabletpanel 102 using fasteners 180 of tablet panel 102 and complementaryfasteners 182 of keyboard panel 10. Cover portion 150 can then bepivotally moved towards keyboard panel 120 such that first panel 160 isdisposed in facing relation to first face 122 of keyboard panel 120.Central panel 164 can then be pivoted around such that it is positionedin contact with first panel 160. Second panel 162 can then be folded, ifdesired, between central panel 164 and tablet panel 102. The compactopen configuration thus allows one to use the tablet device whileproviding a compact form factor that allows case 100 to be held with oneor both hands, if desired. Furthermore, keyboard panel 120 can bedisposed behind and coupled to tablet panel 102. Consequently, askeyboard 10 is disposed behind the tablet device and does not interferewith handheld use of the tablet device, the tablet device does not needto be removed from case 100 for handheld use.

FIGS. 6 a-6 c show case 100 in an exemplary laptop mode configuration.In the laptop configuration, second panel 162 and central panel 164 ofcover portion 150 can be placed on a surface such that napped covering156 is oriented away from the surface. Tablet panel 102 and keyboardpanel 120 can then be placed on top of second and central panels 162,164, with first panel 160 acting as a support that facilitatesmaintaining tablet panel 102 in an angled relation to the surface onwhich case 100 placed. A desired angle for tablet panel 102 may beachieved by repositioning tablet panel 102 and keyboard panel 120 alongthe length of the second and central panels 162, 164 of cover portion150. Furthermore, the fasteners 180 that are disposed on the first face142 of fastening straps 140 can couple to the napped surface 156 ofcover portion 150, thereby preventing movement of tablet panel 102 andkeyboard panel 120, and allowing the desired angle to be securelymaintained. The laptop mode configuration thus allows one to positionthe tablet device at a convenient viewing angle and to simultaneouslyuse the keyboard in conjunction with the tablet device.

FIGS. 7 a-7 c show case 100 in an exemplary hidden keyboard laptopconfiguration. In the hidden keyboard laptop configuration, second panel162 and central panel 164 of cover portion 150 can be placed on asurface such that napped covering 156 is oriented away from the surface.Keyboard panel 120 can be positioned such that second face 124 ofkeyboard panel 120 is proximate second face 106 of tablet panel 102.Keyboard panel 120 can then be coupled to tablet panel 102 usingfasteners 180 of tablet panel 102 and complementary fasteners 182 ofkeyboard panel 120. Tablet panel 102 can then be placed on top of secondand central panels 162, 164, with first panel 160 of cover portion 150acting as a support that facilitates maintaining tablet panel 102 in anangled relation to the surface on which case 100 placed. A desired anglefor tablet panel 102 may be achieved by repositioning tablet panel 102along the length of the second and central panels 162, 164 of coverportion 150. Furthermore, the fasteners 180 that are disposed on thefirst face 142 of fastening straps 140 can couple to the napped surface156 of cover portion 150, thereby preventing movement of tablet panel102, and allowing the desired angle to be securely maintained. Thelaptop mode configuration thus allows one to position the tablet deviceat a convenient viewing angle while the keyboard remains concealed andprotected behind the tablet device. Furthermore, keyboard panel 120 canbe disposed behind and coupled to tablet panel 102 during transport.Consequently, keyboard 10 is disposed behind, and not in front of thetablet device, which facilitates protecting keyboard 10 from debris,liquid, and other possible sources of damage while case 100 is in alaptop configuration.

FIGS. 8 a-12 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 200. Mostcomponents of the embodiment of case 200 are the same or similar tothose of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similarnumerals. Such components should be understood to have substantiallysimilar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

The embodiments of case 200 may be provided with magnetic fasteners 280,and complementary magnetic fasteners 282 in lieu of fasteners 180, 182of the embodiments of case 100. Magnetic fasteners 280 may be providedon the second face 206 of tablet panel 202. Complementary magneticfasteners 282 may be provided on the second face 224 of keyboard panel220, and on the first face 252 of cover portion 250, as shown in FIGS. 8a-8 c. Magnetic fasteners 280 may be permanent magnets oriented so as tocouple with complementary magnetic fasteners 282 or may be formed from aferromagnetic material. Complementary magnetic fasteners 282 may beformed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnetsoriented so as to couple with magnetic fasteners 280. Alternatively, aplurality of complementary fastening strips 283 may be provided on thefirst face 252 of cover portion 250, in place of the complementaryfasteners 282, as shown in FIG. 8 b. Complementary fastening strips 283may be formed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnetsoriented so as to couple with magnetic fasteners 280. It should beappreciated that magnetic fasteners 280, complementary magneticfasteners 282, and complementary fastening strips 283 need not beexposed on the surface of their respective panels, but may be disposedbehind a covering such that the fasteners 280, 282, 283 are hidden whileretaining the coupling functionality.

FIGS. 9 a-9 b show a detail of keyboard panel 220 and flexible panel230. Coupled to keyboard panel 220 may be side tabs 225 and corner tabs227, which may be disposed so as to receive a keyboard 10 therebetween,and to snugly and securely maintain keyboard 20 in place. Additionally,sheath 241 may be provided, and placed in adjoining relation with therear portion 22 of keyboard 20, for example by snap fit, by slidingsheath 241 on to rear portion 22, or by any other manner. Sheath 241 caninclude a pair of fastening strips 284 disposed on the exterior facethereof. Fastening strips 284 may be permanent magnets oriented so as tocouple with complementary magnetic fasteners 282 or complementaryfastening strips 283, or may be formed from a ferromagnetic material.

As shown in FIGS. 10 a-10 b, when case 200 is an exemplary compactclosed configuration, magnetic fasteners 280 of tablet panel 202 may becoupled to complementary magnetic fasteners 282 of keyboard panel 220and to complementary magnetic fasteners 282 of second panel 262 of coverportion 250. In the exemplary compact open configuration, second panel262 may be uncoupled from tablet panel 202 and second and central panels262, 264 may be folded behind first panel 260 of cover portion 250.

As shown in FIGS. 11-12, when case 200 is in an exemplary laptopconfiguration or an exemplary hidden keyboard laptop configuration,fastening strips 284 of sheath 241 can couple to desired complementarymagnetic fasteners 282 or complementary fastening strips 283 on firstface 252 of cover portion 250, so as to prevent movement of tablet panel202 and to allow the desired angle of tablet panel 202 to be securelymaintained.

As shown in FIGS. 8 a-12, the exemplary configurations of case 200 aresubstantially similar to the configurations of case 100. In theexemplary configurations, Magnets 280, 282 and magnetic strips 283, 284provide for the desired couplings of the various panels and portions ofcase 200, as illustrated. It should be appreciated that the shownexemplary configurations of case 100 and case 200 are not the onlypossible configurations, and additional configurations may becontemplated and achieved as desired.

FIGS. 13 a-14 b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 300. Mostcomponents of the embodiment of case 300 are the same or similar tothose of the embodiments of case 100 and case 200, and are identified bysimilar numerals. Such components should be understood to havesubstantially similar characteristics and functionality in allembodiments.

Turning to FIGS. 13 a-13 b, case 300 may include a keyboard 30. Keyboard30 may be provided in lieu of a keyboard panel and may be pivotablycoupled to tablet panel 302 via flexible panel 330, as shown in FIGS. 13a-13 b. Alternatively, keyboard 30 may be directly pivotably coupled totablet panel 302. Keyboard 30 may be included in case 30 and maycommunicatively couple with a tablet device via any desired connection,for example, via a cable such as a USB-compliant cable, or via awireless connection such as the Bluetooth wireless communicationstandard. If desired, keyboard 30 may be formed integral with case 300or may be partially or substantially enclosed by case 300. For example,an integrally formed keyboard 30 may have an outer covering that issubstantially similar to the outer covering of case 300, and which maybe contiguous with the outer covering of case 300.

Alternatively, keyboard 30 may be separately formed from case 300 andmay be included with the case. As shown in FIGS. 14 a-14 b, keyboard 30may then be retained by a retention structure 325, which may be a panel,straps, outer shell, or any other structure that can retain keyboard 30in place. Retention structure 325 may be formed from any desiredmaterial, for example the material of case 300, plastic, or the like.

Referring generally to FIGS. 13 a-14 b, the bottom 34 of keyboard 30 mayinclude a plurality of complementary fasteners 382 disposed thereon. Ifkeyboard 30 is disposed in a retention structure, the retentionstructure 325 may be configured such that the complementary fasteners onthe bottom 34 of keyboard 30 can be exposed. Fasteners 382 may be, forexample, looped fasteners or hooked fasteners of a hook-and-loopfastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member that maycouple to fasteners 380 disposed on the second face 306 of tablet panel302. Fasteners 380, may be, for example, hooked fasteners or loopedfasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desiredfastener member. Alternatively, complementary fasteners 382 may beformed from a ferromagnetic material, or may be permanent magnetsoriented so as to couple with fasteners 380. Likewise, fasteners 380 maybe formed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnetsoriented so as to couple with complementary fasteners 382.

Keyboard 30 may further include fastening strips 384 disposed on therear portion 32 of keyboard 30. Fastening strips 384 may be hookedfasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener pair, or maybe any other desired fastener member that is adapted to couple withnapped covering 356 of cover portion 350. Alternatively, fasteningstrips 384 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, or may bepermanent magnets oriented so as to couple with fasteners 380 disposedon the first face 352 of cover portion 350.

It should be understood that the exemplary configurations of case 300are substantially similar to the configurations of case 100 and case200. Furthermore, the shown exemplary configurations of cases 100, 200and 300 are not the only possible configurations, and additionalconfigurations may be contemplated and achieved as desired.

FIGS. 15 a-15 b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 1500. Mostcomponents of the embodiment of case 1500 are the same or similar tothose of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similarnumerals. Such components should be understood to have substantiallysimilar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

In the embodiments of case 1500, flexible panel 1530 may be removablycoupled to tablet panel 1502. Alternatively, flexible panel 1530 may beremovably and pivotably coupled to tablet panel 1502.

Alternatively, the flexible panel may be removably and/or pivotablycoupled to the keyboard panel.

FIGS. 16 a-16 b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 1600. Mostcomponents of the embodiment of case 1600 are the same or similar tothose of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similarnumerals. Such components should be understood to have substantiallysimilar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

The embodiments of case 1600 may be provided with keyboard sleeve 1620in lieu of keyboard panel 120. Keyboard sleeve 1620 may be sized toreceive a keyboard 16 therein, and to snugly and securely maintain thekeyboard 16 within keyboard sleeve 1620. Keyboard sleeve 1620 may bepermanently coupled to a second face 1606 of the tablet panel 1602.

FIGS. 17 a-17 b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 1700. Mostcomponents of the embodiment of case 1700 are the same or similar tothose of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similarnumerals. Such components should be understood to have substantiallysimilar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

The embodiments of case 1700 may be provided with keyboard sleeve 1720in lieu of keyboard panel 120. Keyboard sleeve 1720 may be sized toreceive a keyboard 17 therein, and to snugly and securely maintain thekeyboard 17 within keyboard sleeve 1720. Keyboard sleeve 1720 may bepermanently coupled to a second face 1706 of the tablet panel 1702. Acover portion 1750 may be pivotably coupled to a bridging panel 1758.The bridging panel 1758 may in turn be coupled to the sleeve 1720, inlieu of the tablet panel 1702. The cover portion 1750 may be rigid,flexible, and/or articulated. Cover portion 1750 can be pivotally movedtowards a rear portion 17′ of keyboard 17, such that cover portion 1750encloses at least a portion of the sleeve 1720 and at least a portion oftablet panel 1702. Alternatively, cover portion 1750 can be pivotallymoved away from a rear portion 17′ of keyboard 17, such that coverportion 1750 encloses at least a portion of the sleeve 1720 and at leasta portion of tablet panel 1702.

In a laptop mode configuration, cover portion 1750 may be coupled to thesecond face 1706 of the tablet panel 1702, such that cover portion 1750may act as a support that facilitates maintaining tablet panel 1702 inan angle relation to a surface on which case 1700 is placed.

FIGS. 18 a-8 b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 1800. Mostcomponents of the embodiment of case 1800 are the same or similar tothose of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similarnumerals. Such components should be understood to have substantiallysimilar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

The embodiments of case 1800 may be provided with keyboard sleeve 1820in lieu of keyboard panel 120. Keyboard sleeve 1820 may be sized toreceive a keyboard 18 therein, and to snugly and securely maintain thekeyboard 18 within keyboard sleeve 1820. Keyboard sleeve 1820 may beremovably coupled to a second face 1806 of tablet panel 1802. Secondface 1806 of tablet panel 1802 may include a plurality of fasteners 1880disposed thereon. For example, fasteners 1880 may be hooked fasteners orlooped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any otherdesired fastener member. Second face 1824 of keyboard sleeve 1820—inlieu of keyboard panel 120—may include a plurality of complementaryfasteners 1882 disposed thereon. For example, complementary fasteners1882 may be looped fasteners or hooked fasteners of a hook-and-loopfastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member that isadapted to couple with fasteners 1880.

FIGS. 19 a-19 b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combinationprotective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 1900. Mostcomponents of the embodiment of case 1900 are the same or similar tothose of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similarnumerals. Such components should be understood to have substantiallysimilar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

The embodiments of case 1900 may be provided with custom keyboard 1920in lieu of keyboard panel 120. Custom keyboard 1920 may be removablycoupled to a second face 1906 of the tablet panel 1902 without akeyboard sleeve. Second face 1906 of tablet panel 1902 may include aplurality of fasteners 1980 disposed thereon. For example, fasteners1980 may be hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loopfastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member. Second face1924 of custom keyboard 1920—in lieu of keyboard panel 120—may include aplurality of complementary fasteners 1982 disposed thereon. For example,complementary fasteners 1982 may be looped fasteners or hooked fastenersof a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastenermember that is adapted to couple with fasteners 1980.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate theprinciples, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of theinvention. However, the invention should not be construed as beinglimited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additionalvariations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded asillustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should beappreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention asdefined by the following claims.

1. A combination protective case and stand for a tablet device andkeyboard, comprising: a first panel configured to receive a tabletdevice on a first face of the first panel; a second panel pivotably andremovably coupled to the first panel and configured to receive akeyboard; and a cover portion pivotably coupled to the first panel,wherein the second panel can be pivoted so as to place the second panelin facing relation to a second face of the first panel, and wherein thecover portion is configured to enclose the first panel and the secondpanel such that a first face of the cover portion is disposed in facingrelation to the first face of the first panel and in facing relation tothe second panel.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the cover portioncomprises: a first cover panel; a second cover panel; and a centralcover panel disposed between the first cover panel and second coverpanel.
 3. The case of claim 2, wherein: when the second panel ispositioned in facing relation to the second face of the first panel, thefirst cover panel can be pivoted so as to be disposed in facing relationto the second panel; and the central cover panel can be pivoted so as tobe disposed in facing relation to the first cover panel.
 4. The case ofclaim 2, wherein: when the second cover panel and the central coverpanel are placed on a surface, the first panel can be oriented in anangled relation to the surface; and a position and an angle of the firstpanel can be secured.
 5. The case of claim 4, wherein the first coverpanel supports the first panel.
 6. A combination protective case andstand for a tablet device and keyboard, comprising: a main panelconfigured to receive a tablet device on a first face of the main panel;a sleeve coupled to a second face of the main panel and configured toreceive a keyboard therein; and a cover portion pivotably coupled to themain panel, wherein the cover portion is configured to enclose the mainpanel and the sleeve such that a first face of the cover portion isdisposed in facing relation to the first face of the main panel and infacing relation to the sleeve.
 7. The case of claim 6, wherein thesleeve is removably coupled to the second face of the main panel.
 8. Thecase of claim 6; further comprising: at least one fastener disposed onthe second face of the panel; and at least one complementary fastenerdisposed on the sleeve.
 9. The case of claim 6, wherein the coverportion comprises: a first cover panel; a second cover panel; and acentral cover panel disposed between the first cover panel and secondcover panel.
 10. The case of claim 9, wherein when the second coverpanel and the central cover panel are placed on a surface, the mainpanel can be oriented in an angled relation to the surface; and aposition and an angle of the main panel can be secured.
 11. The case ofclaim 10, wherein the first cover panel supports the main panel.
 12. Acombination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard,comprising: a main panel configured to receive a tablet device on afirst face of the main panel; a sleeve coupled to a second face of themain panel and configured to receive a keyboard therein; and a coverportion pivotably coupled to the sleeve, wherein the cover portion isconfigured to enclose the main panel and the sleeve such that a firstface of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the firstface of the main panel and in facing relation to a portion of thesleeve.
 13. The case of claim 12, wherein the cover portion comprises: afirst cover panel; a second cover panel; and a central cover paneldisposed between the first cover panel and second cover panel.
 14. Thecase of claim 13, wherein when the second cover panel and the centralcover panel form a zero angle or a substantially acute angle with asurface, the main panel can be oriented in an angled relation to thesurface; and a position and an angle of the main panel can be secured.15. The case of claim 14, wherein the second cover panel supports themain panel.
 16. A combination protective case and stand for a tabletdevice and keyboard, comprising: a main panel configured to receive atablet device on a first face of the main panel; a keyboard removablycoupled to a second face of the main panel; and a cover portionpivotably coupled to the main panel, wherein the cover portion isconfigured to enclose the main panel and the keyboard such that a firstface of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the firstface of the main panel and in facing relation to the keyboard.
 17. Thecase of claim 16, further comprising: at least one fastener disposed onthe second face of the main panel; and at least one complementaryfastener disposed on the keyboard.
 18. The case of claim 16, wherein thecover portion comprises: a first cover panel; a second cover panel; anda central cover panel disposed between the first cover panel and secondcover panel.
 19. The case of claim 18, wherein when the second coverpanel and the central cover panel are placed on a surface, the mainpanel can be oriented in an angled relation to the surface; and aposition and an angle of the main panel can be secured.
 20. The case ofclaim 19, wherein the first cover panel supports the main panel.